Andray Blatche joins Gilas training early

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Andray Blatche rejoined Gilas Pilipinas in practice a little over two weeks before the Philippines opens the third window of the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers on the road against rival Chinese Taipei.

According to Richard Dy of ESPN5, Blatche, who appears to be in good shape, is eyeing redemption against Australia, which blew out the Philippines, 84-68, four months ago in Melbourne.

Blatche, who arrived in Manila on Saturday night, struggled against the Aussies in the first encounter, finishing with only eight points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field.

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“Australia is a great team. They’re tall, they’re aggressive, they’re fast so we got to try to use our quickness to our advantage and I have to step up on the offensive end and defensive end,” Blatche said as posted on ESPN5.com.

Gilas plays Australia for the second time on July 2 at Philippine Arena, and the Filipinos will need every support they can get including the home crowd with the Boomers fielding in a couple of NBA players in Matthew Dellavadova and Thon Maker of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Blatche and company, however, can’t afford to look far ahead with a June 29 meeting with a dangerous Taipei side next on their schedule before the showdown with Australia.